Contact: Terry Hill, 202-628-8000

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 28) – The International Franchise Association will bestow its highest honors this week during its 47th annual convention underway now at Caesars Palace. The association’s top four awards will be presented to some of the most active sector leaders.  

IFA is the oldest and largest franchising trade group and serves more than 1,100 franchisor, 8,000 franchisee and 400 supplier members.   

Named to the association’s Hall of Fame will be the late Don Dwyer, Sr., the founder of The Dwyer Group.  Before his death in 1994, Dwyer created Rainbow International Carpet Dyeing & Cleaning Co., which became one of the world’s largest companies of its kind, the flagship of the group that was later formed.  The brands under The Dwyer Group umbrella span more than 1,300 locations worldwide.  

IFA Entrepreneur of the Year recipient Paul Ross Hogan’s care of his grandmother served as the catalyst for the creation of a non-medical eldercare and companionship service for seniors.  Under Hogan’s leadership as CEO, Home Instead Senior Care began franchising in 1995 and today represents 700 franchises in 49 states and beyond U.S. borders.  He established the Home Instead Senior Care Foundation in 2003 mirroring his dedication to community service. 

Mary C. Rogers, president and CEO of Abrakadoodle, which provides comprehensive art programs for children, will be honored with the IFA Bonny LeVine Award. The award recognizes women who have mentored and promoted women in franchising.  Rogers has more than 20 years in franchising. She is responsible for creating two successful franchise companies: ECW Corp., the U.S. and international franchisor for Computertots and Computer Explorers, and Abrakadoodle. 

Patricia Harris,vice president of McDonald’s USA and global chief diversity officer of McDonald’s Corp., will receive the Ronald E. Harrison award, which recognizes significant contributions to minorities in franchising.  Harris leads a team responsible for the development and implementation of diversity strategies throughout the McDonald’s system.  Harris is the recipient of numerous awards, including the franchise’s President’s Award and the “Woman of the Year” by the Roundtable for Women in Foodservice.  

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Editor’s Note:  To request a JPEG of these honorees, contact the IFA Media Relations Department at 202-628-8000.                                                                                                        

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